In Year 7, students embark on an exciting journey to explore the world around them, past, present, and future. Through enquiry-led learning and real-world investigations, they begin to understand the dynamic nature of our planet and the people who live on it.

1. Our Planet

“What makes our planet unique and how has it changed over time?”
Students explore Earth’s deep history, from geological timescales to the interconnected systems that shape our world, the atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, and geosphere. They also consider how humans use natural resources and the impact of these choices. This topic lays the foundation for understanding Earth as a living, changing system.

2. Introduction to Economic Development

“The Almighty Dollar: where does money go when it’s spent?”
This unit introduces students to the global economy and the concept of development. They investigate how jobs are divided across sectors and how globalisation connects people and places from rice growing in India to manufacturing in China. A creative poster project helps them communicate their understanding of economic systems.

3. Changing Places

“How does sense of place vary across Stratford-upon-Avon?”
Students explore the meaning of place and identity through a local lens. They conduct fieldwork in Stratford-upon-Avon, developing enquiry skills and collecting data to understand how different people experience the same place in different ways.

4. Weather and Climate

“Why is the UK a battleground between different air masses?”
In this topic, students learn to distinguish between weather and climate, explore the UK’s unique weather patterns, and develop key geographical skills such as interpreting climate graphs and measuring weather. They also compare climates around the world to understand global atmospheric processes.

In Year 8, students deepen their understanding of physical and human geography through global case studies, critical thinking, and hands-on fieldwork. They explore how landscapes evolve, how development is measured, and how global challenges like climate change are shaping our future.

1. Rivers & Coasts

“How does erosion shape the landscape of the UK?”
Students investigate the powerful processes of erosion, transportation, and deposition that sculpt our rivers and coastlines. A field trip to Carding Mill Valley allows them to observe fluvial processes in action and apply their learning through a fieldwork enquiry and assessment.

2. Development & Factfulness

“Is our understanding of the world wrong?”
Challenging common misconceptions, this unit introduces development indicators and the concept of Factfulness. Students explore global income levels, living standards (using tools like Dollar Street), and strategies to reduce the development gap, encouraging a more informed and optimistic view of global progress.

3. Africa

“What are the opportunities and challenges facing Africa?”
Through a continent-wide lens, students examine diverse environments such as the Sahara Desert, Sahel, and Congo Rainforest. They also explore the impact of globalisation, including China’s investment in Africa and Nigeria’s development journey. This topic builds geographical empathy and global awareness.

4. Climate Change

“What causes climates to change?”
This unit explores both natural and human drivers of climate change, from geological timescales and glacial processes to the carbon cycle and greenhouse effect. Students investigate the impacts of climate change on places like Antarctica and consider how we can mitigate and adapt to a warming world. The unit culminates in a structured debate, encouraging critical thinking and persuasive communication.

In Year 9, students apply their geographical knowledge to explore global challenges and deepen their understanding of the interconnected world. Through case studies, critical enquiry, and independent fieldwork, they develop the skills to analyse complex issues and communicate their findings effectively.

1. Tectonic and Weather Hazards

“Why are some natural hazards more deadly than others?”
Students investigate the causes and impacts of natural hazards, including volcanoes, earthquakes, and tropical storms. Using case studies such as Typhoon Haiyan, they explore how tectonic activity and atmospheric processes affect people differently depending on levels of development. This unit includes an exam-style assessment to build confidence in geographical writing and analysis.

2. Population

“What is the most significant problem relating to population change?”
This topic explores global and national population trends, using tools like the Demographic Transition Model and population pyramids. Students examine the challenges of ageing populations (e.g., Japan), rapid urban growth, and resource pressures such as food and water scarcity. They also explore migration and displacement, drawing on personal stories from Malala Yousafzai’s We Are Displaced. Students present their understanding through a poster presentation.

3. Globalisation

“How do the impacts of a globalised world vary?”
Students explore the processes and impacts of globalisation, including the UK’s trade relationships, the role of containerisation, and the concept of winners and losers in a global economy. This topic encourages critical thinking about economic interdependence and inequality.

4. Fieldwork: Independent Enquiry

Students design and carry out their own independent fieldwork investigation around the SGGS school site. Working in groups, they collect, analyse, and present data, developing key skills in enquiry, collaboration, and communication. This project culminates in group presentations, showcasing their findings and conclusions.

At SGGS, our KS3 Geography assessment model is designed to develop well-rounded geographers who are confident in a wide range of skills, not just those needed for written exams. We believe that assessment should be varied, inclusive, and purposeful, helping students to deepen their understanding and prepare for the future of work.

Termly Assessment Model

Each term, students in Years 7–9 complete one of the following assessment types:

• Fieldwork Write-Up – Applying enquiry skills to real-world investigations.
• Exam-Style Written Assessment – Practising structured responses and geographical analysis.
• Poster Presentation or Verbal Presentation – Developing communication, creativity, and collaboration.

This rotation ensures that all students, regardless of learning style or confidence in formal exams, have the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in different ways.

Retrieval Practice: Geog Your Memory

To support long-term learning, we embed regular retrieval practice through our Geog Your Memory activities. These low-stakes quizzes revisit key knowledge from previous topics, helping students to:

• Strengthen memory recall
• Make connections across topics
• Build confidence in using geographical vocabulary and concepts

Why This Matters

Our approach ensures that assessment is not just about performance under pressure, but about deepening geographical thinking. It prepares students for the demands of GCSE and beyond by nurturing:

• Critical thinking and enquiry
• Communication and presentation skills
• Data interpretation and decision-making

By valuing a broad range of assessment types, we create a curriculum that is accessible, engaging, and empowering, supporting every student to succeed and thrive in Geography.